User:MacGyverMagic/In Progress/Underwater hockey

Underwater hockey is a sport played with two teams composed of six players swimming in a pool competing to maneuver a puck sliding on the bottom of a swimming pool into the opponent's goal with a short stick. The players wear masks, snorkels, fins, coloured caps and mouthguards. The heavy puck (1.3-1.5 Kg), surrounded by a waterproof rubber covering, is approximately the size of an ice-hockey puck. The sticks, which must float in water, are usually made from wood or fiberglass. They are held by one hand and measure approximately 30 cm long. The goals are 3 meters wide and lie on the bottom, against the end walls of the pool.

Because most of the action takes place underwater, giving spectators a distorted view at best, underwater hockey is not a popular spectator sport. For instance, an American news station once ran a story about the sport, and a reporter asked spectators how much they enjoyed watching it; most responded negatively.

For the best viewing, spectators may try on fins, a snorkel, and mask and enter the pool. From an area outside the playing area, one may view the fast, furious action of underwater hockey.

Underwater hockey enjoys most of its popularity in the Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Underwater hockey was invented in England in the 60s by British Naval members looking for a way to stay in shape and have fun while doing it.

In the 2004 World Underwater Hockey Championships held in Christchurch, New Zealand, more than 32 teams competed from England, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Turkey, France, and Italy.